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asphaltcowgrrlTitle: Date Night Blues Chapter 8 [Final]
Fandom: Romani Detective Original Fiction
Pairing: Andrej Zeklos/James Rosewood/Zayne Reyes
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,712
Summary: Zayne and James come to an agreement while Andrej and the girls get pedicures.
Author’s Note: Done. FINALLY. Hoping you’ve continued to enjoy this drawn out mess.
Zayne set his plate aside and patted his belly. “Simple lunch, but that was good, gingerbread,” he said, smiling at James. “Thanks for bringing food.”
James shrugged and set his plate on top of Zayne’s. “Are there any cookies left?”
“Not sure,” Zayne said, opening the bag and looking inside. “Um, there are two. You want them both?”
“No,” James said with a laugh. “You’d bite my face off if I tried that. Give me one.”
He handed James one of the cookies. “And I wouldn’t bite your face off if I knew I’d already had half of them.”
“Not willing to take the chance,” James said, taking the cookie from Zayne. “I know better than to get between you and food.”
Grinning, Zayne resettled on the couch and put his feet on the coffee table. He glanced at James. “Zek’s not here, I didn’t just do that.”
“I see you, cowboy,” he joked. “But your shoes are off, so I’ll let it pass.”
“Thanks,” Zayne said, taking a bite of his cookie. “What do we do about the rest of this shit?”
James shifted on the couch, his shoulder brushing Zayne’s. “I don’t have a damn clue, Reyes.”
“Great,” Zayne said, tossing back the last bite of cookie. “You’re supposed to be the brains of this outfit.”
“And you’re what, the brawns?” James shook his head.
“Nah, I’m the beauty,” Zayne chuckled.
“Well, you sure are pretty,” James said. “Seriously though, I don’t even know where to start with you. Or me, for that matter.”
“That makes two of us,” Zayne said, slapping the palm of his hand down onto the top of James’ thigh. “I guess we could accept and admit to the fact that we both have the tendency to be a couple of assholes.”
“And it gets worse when we’re together,” James agreed.
“Because we’re a couple of alpha male dicks,” Zayne said, nodding.
“I think that’s going a bit far,” James laughed. “But I’m not sure you’re wrong either.”
“It’ll make Zek happy to know we’ve come to that conclusion,” he said. “How do we curb it when we’re together? You just have this knack for pissing me off, gingerbread.”
“Likewise, cowboy,” James said, sighing. “We need to get Andy to set up a rewards system for us. Any time we go longer than ten minutes without a nasty comment, we get something.”
“Like a gold star on a chore chart?”
James snorted. “I can’t even imagine what kind of chore chart you could come up with, Reyes.”
Zayne smirked. “Oh, just the usual. You know, stuff like putting the laundry away, dusting, giving adequate blowjobs. The usual shit.”
“What kind of household did you grow up in,” James teased. “But I can’t imagine Andy posting that on his wall.”
“His bedroom wall maybe,” Zayne said. “I wish we had a white board. We could have some fun with that.”
James looked at his watch. “When was Andy supposed to get home?”
“The whole thing started at nine,” he said, thinking. “The lady said when I scheduled it, that everything ought to take about six hours. Hil said she was going to treat Zek and Rollins to dinner after. So, I’m going to guess he’ll be home around five thirty, six?”
“That gives us just enough time,” James said, getting up.
“Enough time for what,” Zayne asked. He put his feet on the floor and looked up at the redhead.
“To go to Target, get a white board, some fun markers, and make our good boy chart.”
Zayne cackled. “Zek’s going to kill us, but I think if we put the right things on the chore chart, he might forgive us eventually.”
“Maybe,” James grinned. “Once we earn ourselves enough stars.”
“So, does the narco have anything on Reyes,” Trish asked. The attendant had led them from the room where they’d gotten their facials to the last stop on their tour for the day.
Andrej made a face. “Jay is more considerate, more reliable, and he is a better listener,” he finally said. “All of which are important to a relationship.”
“But,” Hilary asked, waiting.
“But Zayne has his specialties as does Jay.”
“Too bad for Rosewood it seems like Zayne’s specialties,” Trish made air quotes as she said the last word, “are in the bedroom.”
Andrej moaned. “You two are awful,” he said. “Jay has his…” he waved his hands around vaguely, searching for the right word and not finding it. “He is more than fine in the bedroom.”
“So, the narco is adequate, that’s what you’re telling us?”
Exasperated, Andrej changed the subject. “I am not sure I need a pedicure. No one sees my toes.”
“Not the point,” Hilary said. “The point is that it makes you feel good. Trust me on this.”
“I can do that,” Andrej said, settling into the chair between the two girls. “This is the least offensive thing you have suggested all day.”
Trish chuckled. “Oh, we’re not done yet, because I’m still trying to figure out how Reyes is better than the narco.”
“He is not better than Jay,” Andrej said, thinking how to word what he wanted to say next. “They are two very different people, with different personalities, bodies, and interests. I have no complaints regarding either of them.” He looked at them both pointedly. “In any area other than their relationship with one another.”
“Interesting,” Trish said.
Andrej sighed and stared at his hands. If he was going to get them off his case, he was going to have to do it before someone came in to take care of their manicures and pedicures. Otherwise, he’d be exposing his personal life to way too many strangers.
“We have a turbulent but torrid sort of relationship,” he said, not looking up. “It can be harrowing, but it can also be exciting and comforting and a lot of fun. I do not know what else to say.”
“Are you happy,” Trish asked.
“Most of the time, yes,” he answered honestly.
“Then we’re happy for you,” Hilary said. “We just worry when things get out of hand with those other two bozos because it affects you so much.”
“I appreciate that,” Andrej said. “And I do believe things will get better the more time they spend together.”
“We can hope,” Hilary said. “Oh, here they come. Please say you’ll let me choose the polish they put on your toes, Andy.”
“I am not sure –”
“I’ll keep it tasteful,” she promised. Then, leaning over so she could whisper in his ear, “Zayne loves painted toes. It might work in your favor.”
He hated the blush he felt rising in his cheeks, but for once, it wasn’t borne of embarrassment. “You may choose if they offer,” he said.
“Make sure it doesn’t clash with his pretty skin,” Trish added. “I’m thinking lime green would be amazing.”
“Okay,” James said, looking at where Zayne had put the nails to hang the whiteboard they’d bought. “I think that’s a good place to put it. No one but the three of us will see it, so Andy shouldn’t be too horrified by whatever we write on it.”
“Which is the next thing,” Zayne said, holding out the dry erase markers in James’ direction. “Pick a color. Your handwriting is better than mine.”
James tugged the purple one out of Zayne’s grip. “What am I putting on this thing?”
“I’m thinking start with the serious stuff. Things like not calling each other names or respecting the others’ date nights.”
“Okay,” James said, nodding. He started to write the first item onto the board. “Did not fight for thirty minutes, sound good?”
“Yeah,” Zayne said, grinning. “Now write something flirty on the next line.”
James side-eyed him. “Shouldn’t we put the sexual favors last on the list since they’re the least important in this sense?”
“I was thinking that this would keep Zek off balance a bit and reduce our chances of him strangling us.”
“Yeah, okay, you have a point there,” he said.
Together they made a list of seven things – four things they really did need to work on as a couple and/or trio and three random sexy things that both James and Zayne hoped would result from them managing the other four. Satisfied, they hung the board on the wall and made their way back out into the living room.
“Now, I guess we wait and see what he says,” James said.
“Well, we could work on a few of those items on the list,” Zayne teased, leering suggestively at the redhead.
“You are awful,” James laughed. “And I mean that in the best possible way.”
Zayne checked his watch and slapped his hand against James’ back. “It’s almost five, why don’t we go get some food and get comfy while we wait for Zek to return?”
“That sounds like a great idea,” James said, pinching Zayne’s cheek. “Give me enough time to put my shoes on and we can go.”
“Well,” Zeklos said, entering the living room and spotting his two boyfriends cozied up on the couch together. “Nothing appears broken and the house is still standing. I am going to say that this is a good thing?”
“It is,” Zayne said, smiling.
“Agreed,” James added.
Zek put his shoes in the closet before coming over and sitting in the recliner. He watched James and Zayne for a moment. “Did you work things out, or at least try?”
They looked at each other and shrugged. “I think we made some progress,” Zayne said.
“We have a long way to go, both together and on our own,” James added, “but we definitely figured a couple things out.”
“This makes me very happy,” Zeklos said. He put his hands on his knees. “Did you eat?”
“Yeah, we had pizza and wings and all kinds of crap that I don’t remember,” Zayne said. “There are leftovers in the fridge if that wispy salad they fed you at the spa wasn’t enough.”
Laughing, Zeklos rose to his feet. “Hilary, Trish, and I had dinner at that restaurant you like so much, so I am quite full. But thank you for your concern.”
“What place is that,” James asked.
“Terra Rossa,” Zayne said. “It’s this fabulous Italian place. Zek took me there one night when we were interviewing a witness that worked in the casino.”
“That they give you both bread and cheese to nibble on while waiting for your meal only endeared the place to Zayne more,” Andrej added dryly.
James scrunched his face up. “You’ve never taken me there,” he said, sounding half annoyed by the fact.
“We have never had to chase down a witness there either,” Andrej reminded him. “I am generally not inclined to drive across the valley to have dinner.”
“Fair point, I guess,” James said with a laugh. “Did you and the girls have a good time? Your skin looks amazing.”
Andrej chuckled. “That would be the facial,” he said. “Not something I ever thought I needed but it seems to have done something.”
“He’s always had great skin,” Zayne said. “Pisses me off sometimes.”
“I keep telling you that if you eat better, your skin will look better, but you do not believe me.”
“Oh, I believe you,” Zayne said, getting up and giving Zeklos a hug. “It’s just too much work.”
Andrej rubbed his hand across his mouth. “I am not surprised. I’m going to change my clothes. Jay, are you staying?”
“I wish I could,” he said, also getting to his feet. “But Hansen called about ten minutes ago telling me that one of our sources has finally gotten a bead on this dealer we’ve been trying to track down. We’re meeting up in about two hours to see if we can get more info out of the source and possibly do some surveillance while we’re at it.”
“Oh no, I am sorry,” Andrej said. He kissed James lightly and gave him a hug.
“It’s okay,” James said. “All part of the job, right? Anyway, I wanted to stick around long enough to make sure you got home okay and hear how your day went.”
“Think you’ll be back tomorrow, gingerbread?”
He looked at Zayne. “I can come by after I’ve gotten some sleep, so maybe noon?”
“Whenever you feel like you’re up to dealing with this crazy,” Zayne said. He leaned in and gave James a hug, too. “I don’t think any of us have any major plans tomorrow, right Zek?”
“No,” he agreed. “I have laundry and housework to catch up on, so I will not be going anywhere.”
“Okay,” James said. “I’ll call you when I get up to let you know what’s going on.”
“Thanks,” Zeklos said. “I hope you get the information you need tonight, but be careful, Jay.”
“Ditto what Zek said,” Zayne added. “We’re only just starting to like each other, don’t die on me now.”
James laughed. “Damn, I want to believe that’s you wishing me well, cowboy, but I’m not sure.”
Laughing, Zayne gave him a kiss. “Get out of here before Hansen shows up on the doorstep. He called you closer to an hour ago, ya liar.”
“Yeah, yeah,” James said, giving Zeklos one last hug and a kiss goodbye. “But if I told Andy that, he’d have kicked me out by now.”
“You are not wrong,” Zek said. “Go. We will talk tomorrow.”
James waved as he went out the front door. Zayne and Zeklos waited until the redhead had pulled out of the drive to close the door.
“What about you, Zayne,” Zeklos asked. “Are you staying?”
Zayne tilted his head to the side and smiled at his boyfriend. “Do you want me to? I mean, I can imagine that after spending most of the day with Hil and the redheaded demon you might want some alone time.”
“They are not so bad,” he said, defending the girls even as he winced a little.
“Until they start asking embarrassing, invasive questions,” Zayne said, hoping he read Zek’s reaction correctly.
He sighed. “This is correct, but even then, they are interested in me, my happiness and… well, us.” He shrugged.
“This is true, even if they have an annoying ass way of going about it all.”
“I cannot agree with you more,” Andrej said. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink when he smiled. “Hilary convinced me to do something not very masculine. However, she said you would appreciate it.”
Zayne pushed his lower lip out while digesting that bit of information. “Um, I’m not sure what you mean.”
Zeklos sat down on the recliner and pulled off his socks. Wiggling his toes, he looked up at Zayne. “Well?”
It took him a second to realize what he was looking at and, once he realized he wasn’t seeing things, he laughed out loud. “Oh god, Zek,” he said, sitting on the coffee table. Zayne reached for one of Zek’s feet and pulled it into his lap. “This is fucking great. And your feet are so soft.”
“Trish told me that there is a place she and Hilary go once a month for manis and pedis and offered to bring me along next time. I ought to make you an appointment, too.”
“Yeah, these damn boots don’t do my feet any favors, that’s for sure,” he agreed. “But damn, your toes, baby.”
Zeklos gave him an unreadable look. “What do you think?”
“I think that whoever convinced you to paint your toes – and my guess would be Hil because I used to always watch her paint hers – was a genius. That color is amazing.”
“It is called Strut Your Stuff,” he said, a hint of embarrassment tinging his words. “I do believe that is why Hilary chose it. Trish voted for lime green.”
“That would look nice on you, too,” Zayne said, rubbing his thumb across the shiny, aqua blue on Zeklos’ toenails. “Or an orange, like that hoodie of mine you like so much.”
Andrej smiled. “That had been my choice,” he admitted. “It was a bright orange sherbet color, but then Hilary found this,” he wiggled his toes again, “and I thought it less racy.”
“Oh baby,” Zayne said, leaning in to give Zeklos a kiss. “Never go for anything less racy.”
Laughing, Zeklos pushed him away. “I was afraid you were going to say that. Let me go change into my pajamas and maybe we can have dessert?”
“We ate all the cookies that Rosewood brought,” Zayne said. “But I’ll run out and get us some ice cream. I’m sure you’re dying for a shower right now, too.”
“I am, thank you. But don’t be too long,” Zeklos said.
“Never,” Zayne agreed. “I couldn’t ever keep you waiting. It’s a shame the narco couldn’t stay though. We had a pretty good day together. Oh, which reminds me, there’s something in the bedroom for you.”
Zeklos’ eyes widened a bit at that. “Should I be frightened?”
“No,” Zayne laughed. “It’s not that bad. I’ll explain it to you when I get back.”
Zayne stuffed the two pints of Ben & Jerry’s into the freezer and went to find Zeklos. He was standing in the bathroom, a peach towel wrapped around his hips, staring at the whiteboard. “So, you saw the chore chart?”
“Chore chart?” Zeklos turned and faced Zayne, looking confused.
His skin was dry but glowing from the warmth of the shower, his hair flat and wet against his head. Seeing him like this was almost better than seeing him naked, if only for all the anticipation of what might be on the horizon. It made Zayne’s mouth water.
“Yeah, you know, like when you were a kid and your mom would give you a gold star or a check mark when you picked up your toys?”
Andrej shook his head. “No, I never had anything like that,” he said. “But I guess the point is to motivate the child to do as he was told?”
“Pretty much,” Zayne said. “And at the end of the week, depending on how many checks or stars you had, you’d get a prize.”
Zeklos licked his lips, thinking. “Some of the things listed on this chart are not exactly chores,” he said, pointing at the line that read ‘bottoms without complaint’.
“Well, no, but even with kids, some chores are more fun than others. Like walking the dog is a hell of a lot better than folding laundry.”
“I suppose,” Zeklos said. “Am I supposed to be keeping track?”
“Yeah,” Zayne said, coming up beside Zeklos. He rested his arm over the top of Zek’s shoulders. “I figure you’re more trustworthy than I am. Likely more than the narco, too.”
“These are very easy things to achieve,” he said. Pointing at a line that said ‘no bickering for ten minutes’ he smiled. “This will have to be upped as we go along. But for now, ten minutes would be a miracle.”
“Noted,” Zayne said, smiling. “So, you’re not angry about this?”
“I am not thrilled you put a hole in my wall, but I will overlook it because you did a neat job, Zayne.” He glanced at the whiteboard and shook his head. “I know it was you, too, because Jay tried to hang a picture in his apartment and left a hole the size of my fist. He had to have Jake help him repair it.”
“Now that’s funny,” Zayne said. “But I’ve done that, too. In some of these older places, the drywall is ancient and because of the lack of humidity here, they get brittle as hell. So, I won’t bust his balls over that.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem,” he said. His eyes caught on Zeklos’ toes again. “That’s one heck of a pretty color, Zek. Seriously.”
“Hilary said you had a thing for painted toenails. I thought she was kidding.”
“She wasn’t,” Zayne said, wistfully. “Let’s go eat our ice cream so I can play with those pretty toes of yours.” He looked Zeklos in the eye and smiled. “And every other pretty part of you.”
“You are awful,” Zeklos said, reaching for his pajama bottoms.
“I am and you like it,” he teased. “We won’t start the chart until Rosewood can spend some time with us again. It’s only fair. I mean, it’s hard to fight with him when he’s not here.”
“Somehow, you will find a way,” Zeklos said. “Go get our ice cream, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“On it,” Zayne said, heading into the kitchen. He pulled the pints out of the freezer and set them on the counter. Grabbing two spoons, he set them with the ice cream. Zayne took his phone out and texted James.
He wasn’t angry about the chart. I actually think he likes the idea. We’ll have to have him come up with prizes for us at the end of the week.
Good to know, was the reply. I wonder if he’d take suggestions?
Zayne grinned at the eggplant emoji followed by a party hat that the redhead tacked onto the end of the text.
We can write them on pieces of paper and put them in a hat or jar and let him draw one when we’ve been good.
That’s weird and exciting at the same time, cowboy, James responded. I see our source approaching. Talk to you later.
Night, narco, Zayne replied. Be safe.
James replied with a thumbs up emoji. Zayne set his phone on the counter and startled when he saw Zeklos watching him.
“Who were you texting?”
“Rosewood,” Zayne said, handing over Zeklos’ favorite ice cream. “Letting him know that you weren’t dumping us both over the chore chart.”
“I am not sure I will ever leave you two alone again,” Zeklos said, “but I am glad you got along for a few hours.”
“Me, too, Zek,” Zayne said. “Me, too. Oh, and next weekend? I’m taking you out, on a real date. Okay?”
“Okay,” Zeklos replied shakily.
“Now, ice cream, then bed?” Zayne shot a hopeful look in Zeklos’ direction.
“Ice cream,” Zek confirmed. “And then bed.”
“Perfect,” Zayne said. “Let’s go get our sugar on, in all the ways we know how.”
Fandom: Romani Detective Original Fiction
Pairing: Andrej Zeklos/James Rosewood/Zayne Reyes
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,712
Summary: Zayne and James come to an agreement while Andrej and the girls get pedicures.
Author’s Note: Done. FINALLY. Hoping you’ve continued to enjoy this drawn out mess.
Zayne set his plate aside and patted his belly. “Simple lunch, but that was good, gingerbread,” he said, smiling at James. “Thanks for bringing food.”
James shrugged and set his plate on top of Zayne’s. “Are there any cookies left?”
“Not sure,” Zayne said, opening the bag and looking inside. “Um, there are two. You want them both?”
“No,” James said with a laugh. “You’d bite my face off if I tried that. Give me one.”
He handed James one of the cookies. “And I wouldn’t bite your face off if I knew I’d already had half of them.”
“Not willing to take the chance,” James said, taking the cookie from Zayne. “I know better than to get between you and food.”
Grinning, Zayne resettled on the couch and put his feet on the coffee table. He glanced at James. “Zek’s not here, I didn’t just do that.”
“I see you, cowboy,” he joked. “But your shoes are off, so I’ll let it pass.”
“Thanks,” Zayne said, taking a bite of his cookie. “What do we do about the rest of this shit?”
James shifted on the couch, his shoulder brushing Zayne’s. “I don’t have a damn clue, Reyes.”
“Great,” Zayne said, tossing back the last bite of cookie. “You’re supposed to be the brains of this outfit.”
“And you’re what, the brawns?” James shook his head.
“Nah, I’m the beauty,” Zayne chuckled.
“Well, you sure are pretty,” James said. “Seriously though, I don’t even know where to start with you. Or me, for that matter.”
“That makes two of us,” Zayne said, slapping the palm of his hand down onto the top of James’ thigh. “I guess we could accept and admit to the fact that we both have the tendency to be a couple of assholes.”
“And it gets worse when we’re together,” James agreed.
“Because we’re a couple of alpha male dicks,” Zayne said, nodding.
“I think that’s going a bit far,” James laughed. “But I’m not sure you’re wrong either.”
“It’ll make Zek happy to know we’ve come to that conclusion,” he said. “How do we curb it when we’re together? You just have this knack for pissing me off, gingerbread.”
“Likewise, cowboy,” James said, sighing. “We need to get Andy to set up a rewards system for us. Any time we go longer than ten minutes without a nasty comment, we get something.”
“Like a gold star on a chore chart?”
James snorted. “I can’t even imagine what kind of chore chart you could come up with, Reyes.”
Zayne smirked. “Oh, just the usual. You know, stuff like putting the laundry away, dusting, giving adequate blowjobs. The usual shit.”
“What kind of household did you grow up in,” James teased. “But I can’t imagine Andy posting that on his wall.”
“His bedroom wall maybe,” Zayne said. “I wish we had a white board. We could have some fun with that.”
James looked at his watch. “When was Andy supposed to get home?”
“The whole thing started at nine,” he said, thinking. “The lady said when I scheduled it, that everything ought to take about six hours. Hil said she was going to treat Zek and Rollins to dinner after. So, I’m going to guess he’ll be home around five thirty, six?”
“That gives us just enough time,” James said, getting up.
“Enough time for what,” Zayne asked. He put his feet on the floor and looked up at the redhead.
“To go to Target, get a white board, some fun markers, and make our good boy chart.”
Zayne cackled. “Zek’s going to kill us, but I think if we put the right things on the chore chart, he might forgive us eventually.”
“Maybe,” James grinned. “Once we earn ourselves enough stars.”
“So, does the narco have anything on Reyes,” Trish asked. The attendant had led them from the room where they’d gotten their facials to the last stop on their tour for the day.
Andrej made a face. “Jay is more considerate, more reliable, and he is a better listener,” he finally said. “All of which are important to a relationship.”
“But,” Hilary asked, waiting.
“But Zayne has his specialties as does Jay.”
“Too bad for Rosewood it seems like Zayne’s specialties,” Trish made air quotes as she said the last word, “are in the bedroom.”
Andrej moaned. “You two are awful,” he said. “Jay has his…” he waved his hands around vaguely, searching for the right word and not finding it. “He is more than fine in the bedroom.”
“So, the narco is adequate, that’s what you’re telling us?”
Exasperated, Andrej changed the subject. “I am not sure I need a pedicure. No one sees my toes.”
“Not the point,” Hilary said. “The point is that it makes you feel good. Trust me on this.”
“I can do that,” Andrej said, settling into the chair between the two girls. “This is the least offensive thing you have suggested all day.”
Trish chuckled. “Oh, we’re not done yet, because I’m still trying to figure out how Reyes is better than the narco.”
“He is not better than Jay,” Andrej said, thinking how to word what he wanted to say next. “They are two very different people, with different personalities, bodies, and interests. I have no complaints regarding either of them.” He looked at them both pointedly. “In any area other than their relationship with one another.”
“Interesting,” Trish said.
Andrej sighed and stared at his hands. If he was going to get them off his case, he was going to have to do it before someone came in to take care of their manicures and pedicures. Otherwise, he’d be exposing his personal life to way too many strangers.
“We have a turbulent but torrid sort of relationship,” he said, not looking up. “It can be harrowing, but it can also be exciting and comforting and a lot of fun. I do not know what else to say.”
“Are you happy,” Trish asked.
“Most of the time, yes,” he answered honestly.
“Then we’re happy for you,” Hilary said. “We just worry when things get out of hand with those other two bozos because it affects you so much.”
“I appreciate that,” Andrej said. “And I do believe things will get better the more time they spend together.”
“We can hope,” Hilary said. “Oh, here they come. Please say you’ll let me choose the polish they put on your toes, Andy.”
“I am not sure –”
“I’ll keep it tasteful,” she promised. Then, leaning over so she could whisper in his ear, “Zayne loves painted toes. It might work in your favor.”
He hated the blush he felt rising in his cheeks, but for once, it wasn’t borne of embarrassment. “You may choose if they offer,” he said.
“Make sure it doesn’t clash with his pretty skin,” Trish added. “I’m thinking lime green would be amazing.”
“Okay,” James said, looking at where Zayne had put the nails to hang the whiteboard they’d bought. “I think that’s a good place to put it. No one but the three of us will see it, so Andy shouldn’t be too horrified by whatever we write on it.”
“Which is the next thing,” Zayne said, holding out the dry erase markers in James’ direction. “Pick a color. Your handwriting is better than mine.”
James tugged the purple one out of Zayne’s grip. “What am I putting on this thing?”
“I’m thinking start with the serious stuff. Things like not calling each other names or respecting the others’ date nights.”
“Okay,” James said, nodding. He started to write the first item onto the board. “Did not fight for thirty minutes, sound good?”
“Yeah,” Zayne said, grinning. “Now write something flirty on the next line.”
James side-eyed him. “Shouldn’t we put the sexual favors last on the list since they’re the least important in this sense?”
“I was thinking that this would keep Zek off balance a bit and reduce our chances of him strangling us.”
“Yeah, okay, you have a point there,” he said.
Together they made a list of seven things – four things they really did need to work on as a couple and/or trio and three random sexy things that both James and Zayne hoped would result from them managing the other four. Satisfied, they hung the board on the wall and made their way back out into the living room.
“Now, I guess we wait and see what he says,” James said.
“Well, we could work on a few of those items on the list,” Zayne teased, leering suggestively at the redhead.
“You are awful,” James laughed. “And I mean that in the best possible way.”
Zayne checked his watch and slapped his hand against James’ back. “It’s almost five, why don’t we go get some food and get comfy while we wait for Zek to return?”
“That sounds like a great idea,” James said, pinching Zayne’s cheek. “Give me enough time to put my shoes on and we can go.”
“Well,” Zeklos said, entering the living room and spotting his two boyfriends cozied up on the couch together. “Nothing appears broken and the house is still standing. I am going to say that this is a good thing?”
“It is,” Zayne said, smiling.
“Agreed,” James added.
Zek put his shoes in the closet before coming over and sitting in the recliner. He watched James and Zayne for a moment. “Did you work things out, or at least try?”
They looked at each other and shrugged. “I think we made some progress,” Zayne said.
“We have a long way to go, both together and on our own,” James added, “but we definitely figured a couple things out.”
“This makes me very happy,” Zeklos said. He put his hands on his knees. “Did you eat?”
“Yeah, we had pizza and wings and all kinds of crap that I don’t remember,” Zayne said. “There are leftovers in the fridge if that wispy salad they fed you at the spa wasn’t enough.”
Laughing, Zeklos rose to his feet. “Hilary, Trish, and I had dinner at that restaurant you like so much, so I am quite full. But thank you for your concern.”
“What place is that,” James asked.
“Terra Rossa,” Zayne said. “It’s this fabulous Italian place. Zek took me there one night when we were interviewing a witness that worked in the casino.”
“That they give you both bread and cheese to nibble on while waiting for your meal only endeared the place to Zayne more,” Andrej added dryly.
James scrunched his face up. “You’ve never taken me there,” he said, sounding half annoyed by the fact.
“We have never had to chase down a witness there either,” Andrej reminded him. “I am generally not inclined to drive across the valley to have dinner.”
“Fair point, I guess,” James said with a laugh. “Did you and the girls have a good time? Your skin looks amazing.”
Andrej chuckled. “That would be the facial,” he said. “Not something I ever thought I needed but it seems to have done something.”
“He’s always had great skin,” Zayne said. “Pisses me off sometimes.”
“I keep telling you that if you eat better, your skin will look better, but you do not believe me.”
“Oh, I believe you,” Zayne said, getting up and giving Zeklos a hug. “It’s just too much work.”
Andrej rubbed his hand across his mouth. “I am not surprised. I’m going to change my clothes. Jay, are you staying?”
“I wish I could,” he said, also getting to his feet. “But Hansen called about ten minutes ago telling me that one of our sources has finally gotten a bead on this dealer we’ve been trying to track down. We’re meeting up in about two hours to see if we can get more info out of the source and possibly do some surveillance while we’re at it.”
“Oh no, I am sorry,” Andrej said. He kissed James lightly and gave him a hug.
“It’s okay,” James said. “All part of the job, right? Anyway, I wanted to stick around long enough to make sure you got home okay and hear how your day went.”
“Think you’ll be back tomorrow, gingerbread?”
He looked at Zayne. “I can come by after I’ve gotten some sleep, so maybe noon?”
“Whenever you feel like you’re up to dealing with this crazy,” Zayne said. He leaned in and gave James a hug, too. “I don’t think any of us have any major plans tomorrow, right Zek?”
“No,” he agreed. “I have laundry and housework to catch up on, so I will not be going anywhere.”
“Okay,” James said. “I’ll call you when I get up to let you know what’s going on.”
“Thanks,” Zeklos said. “I hope you get the information you need tonight, but be careful, Jay.”
“Ditto what Zek said,” Zayne added. “We’re only just starting to like each other, don’t die on me now.”
James laughed. “Damn, I want to believe that’s you wishing me well, cowboy, but I’m not sure.”
Laughing, Zayne gave him a kiss. “Get out of here before Hansen shows up on the doorstep. He called you closer to an hour ago, ya liar.”
“Yeah, yeah,” James said, giving Zeklos one last hug and a kiss goodbye. “But if I told Andy that, he’d have kicked me out by now.”
“You are not wrong,” Zek said. “Go. We will talk tomorrow.”
James waved as he went out the front door. Zayne and Zeklos waited until the redhead had pulled out of the drive to close the door.
“What about you, Zayne,” Zeklos asked. “Are you staying?”
Zayne tilted his head to the side and smiled at his boyfriend. “Do you want me to? I mean, I can imagine that after spending most of the day with Hil and the redheaded demon you might want some alone time.”
“They are not so bad,” he said, defending the girls even as he winced a little.
“Until they start asking embarrassing, invasive questions,” Zayne said, hoping he read Zek’s reaction correctly.
He sighed. “This is correct, but even then, they are interested in me, my happiness and… well, us.” He shrugged.
“This is true, even if they have an annoying ass way of going about it all.”
“I cannot agree with you more,” Andrej said. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink when he smiled. “Hilary convinced me to do something not very masculine. However, she said you would appreciate it.”
Zayne pushed his lower lip out while digesting that bit of information. “Um, I’m not sure what you mean.”
Zeklos sat down on the recliner and pulled off his socks. Wiggling his toes, he looked up at Zayne. “Well?”
It took him a second to realize what he was looking at and, once he realized he wasn’t seeing things, he laughed out loud. “Oh god, Zek,” he said, sitting on the coffee table. Zayne reached for one of Zek’s feet and pulled it into his lap. “This is fucking great. And your feet are so soft.”
“Trish told me that there is a place she and Hilary go once a month for manis and pedis and offered to bring me along next time. I ought to make you an appointment, too.”
“Yeah, these damn boots don’t do my feet any favors, that’s for sure,” he agreed. “But damn, your toes, baby.”
Zeklos gave him an unreadable look. “What do you think?”
“I think that whoever convinced you to paint your toes – and my guess would be Hil because I used to always watch her paint hers – was a genius. That color is amazing.”
“It is called Strut Your Stuff,” he said, a hint of embarrassment tinging his words. “I do believe that is why Hilary chose it. Trish voted for lime green.”
“That would look nice on you, too,” Zayne said, rubbing his thumb across the shiny, aqua blue on Zeklos’ toenails. “Or an orange, like that hoodie of mine you like so much.”
Andrej smiled. “That had been my choice,” he admitted. “It was a bright orange sherbet color, but then Hilary found this,” he wiggled his toes again, “and I thought it less racy.”
“Oh baby,” Zayne said, leaning in to give Zeklos a kiss. “Never go for anything less racy.”
Laughing, Zeklos pushed him away. “I was afraid you were going to say that. Let me go change into my pajamas and maybe we can have dessert?”
“We ate all the cookies that Rosewood brought,” Zayne said. “But I’ll run out and get us some ice cream. I’m sure you’re dying for a shower right now, too.”
“I am, thank you. But don’t be too long,” Zeklos said.
“Never,” Zayne agreed. “I couldn’t ever keep you waiting. It’s a shame the narco couldn’t stay though. We had a pretty good day together. Oh, which reminds me, there’s something in the bedroom for you.”
Zeklos’ eyes widened a bit at that. “Should I be frightened?”
“No,” Zayne laughed. “It’s not that bad. I’ll explain it to you when I get back.”
Zayne stuffed the two pints of Ben & Jerry’s into the freezer and went to find Zeklos. He was standing in the bathroom, a peach towel wrapped around his hips, staring at the whiteboard. “So, you saw the chore chart?”
“Chore chart?” Zeklos turned and faced Zayne, looking confused.
His skin was dry but glowing from the warmth of the shower, his hair flat and wet against his head. Seeing him like this was almost better than seeing him naked, if only for all the anticipation of what might be on the horizon. It made Zayne’s mouth water.
“Yeah, you know, like when you were a kid and your mom would give you a gold star or a check mark when you picked up your toys?”
Andrej shook his head. “No, I never had anything like that,” he said. “But I guess the point is to motivate the child to do as he was told?”
“Pretty much,” Zayne said. “And at the end of the week, depending on how many checks or stars you had, you’d get a prize.”
Zeklos licked his lips, thinking. “Some of the things listed on this chart are not exactly chores,” he said, pointing at the line that read ‘bottoms without complaint’.
“Well, no, but even with kids, some chores are more fun than others. Like walking the dog is a hell of a lot better than folding laundry.”
“I suppose,” Zeklos said. “Am I supposed to be keeping track?”
“Yeah,” Zayne said, coming up beside Zeklos. He rested his arm over the top of Zek’s shoulders. “I figure you’re more trustworthy than I am. Likely more than the narco, too.”
“These are very easy things to achieve,” he said. Pointing at a line that said ‘no bickering for ten minutes’ he smiled. “This will have to be upped as we go along. But for now, ten minutes would be a miracle.”
“Noted,” Zayne said, smiling. “So, you’re not angry about this?”
“I am not thrilled you put a hole in my wall, but I will overlook it because you did a neat job, Zayne.” He glanced at the whiteboard and shook his head. “I know it was you, too, because Jay tried to hang a picture in his apartment and left a hole the size of my fist. He had to have Jake help him repair it.”
“Now that’s funny,” Zayne said. “But I’ve done that, too. In some of these older places, the drywall is ancient and because of the lack of humidity here, they get brittle as hell. So, I won’t bust his balls over that.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem,” he said. His eyes caught on Zeklos’ toes again. “That’s one heck of a pretty color, Zek. Seriously.”
“Hilary said you had a thing for painted toenails. I thought she was kidding.”
“She wasn’t,” Zayne said, wistfully. “Let’s go eat our ice cream so I can play with those pretty toes of yours.” He looked Zeklos in the eye and smiled. “And every other pretty part of you.”
“You are awful,” Zeklos said, reaching for his pajama bottoms.
“I am and you like it,” he teased. “We won’t start the chart until Rosewood can spend some time with us again. It’s only fair. I mean, it’s hard to fight with him when he’s not here.”
“Somehow, you will find a way,” Zeklos said. “Go get our ice cream, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“On it,” Zayne said, heading into the kitchen. He pulled the pints out of the freezer and set them on the counter. Grabbing two spoons, he set them with the ice cream. Zayne took his phone out and texted James.
He wasn’t angry about the chart. I actually think he likes the idea. We’ll have to have him come up with prizes for us at the end of the week.
Good to know, was the reply. I wonder if he’d take suggestions?
Zayne grinned at the eggplant emoji followed by a party hat that the redhead tacked onto the end of the text.
We can write them on pieces of paper and put them in a hat or jar and let him draw one when we’ve been good.
That’s weird and exciting at the same time, cowboy, James responded. I see our source approaching. Talk to you later.
Night, narco, Zayne replied. Be safe.
James replied with a thumbs up emoji. Zayne set his phone on the counter and startled when he saw Zeklos watching him.
“Who were you texting?”
“Rosewood,” Zayne said, handing over Zeklos’ favorite ice cream. “Letting him know that you weren’t dumping us both over the chore chart.”
“I am not sure I will ever leave you two alone again,” Zeklos said, “but I am glad you got along for a few hours.”
“Me, too, Zek,” Zayne said. “Me, too. Oh, and next weekend? I’m taking you out, on a real date. Okay?”
“Okay,” Zeklos replied shakily.
“Now, ice cream, then bed?” Zayne shot a hopeful look in Zeklos’ direction.
“Ice cream,” Zek confirmed. “And then bed.”
“Perfect,” Zayne said. “Let’s go get our sugar on, in all the ways we know how.”
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no subject
Date: 2020-08-06 11:15 pm (UTC)Like the idea of the chore chart. It may work at first.
Not certain I want to know what they will come up with for prizes.
Not certain Andy's toe polish is going to survive the night either.
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Date: 2020-08-07 01:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-08-07 04:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-08-07 04:43 pm (UTC)I thought you'd be amused by that. And, with these two, you know nothing will work for long.
Oh probably the usual they put Andrej through.
ROFL! Probably not. But it was fun while it lasted, right?
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Date: 2020-08-07 06:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-08-07 07:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-08-07 01:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-08-07 04:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-01-26 12:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-03-07 04:23 pm (UTC)